About CORE
Nurturing the emotional and physical wellbeing of each individual.
Whether stepping into a studio for the first time, returning to movement as an adult, or watching your child discover confidence through dance, CORE is a place where you are welcomed, exactly as you are.
CORE is a centre built on connection, care, and experience. Every class is thoughtfully designed to nurture confidence, creativity, and wellbeing, while supporting strong, safe technique and a genuine love of movement.
Here people come first - their stories, their growth, and the unique journey they are on.
Dance and movement offer so much more than physical strength. They build resilience, self-belief, emotional awareness, and a deep sense of belonging. Through movement, children develop courage and confidence. Teenagers find expression, identity, and support. Adults reconnect with themselves, strengthening both body and mind in a space that feels uplifting and empowering.
Classes are led by experienced, passionate instructors who bring professionalism, care, and depth of knowledge to every session. Each individual feels seen, supported, and encouraged to grow within an environment where quality, safety, and connection are at the heart of the experience.
CORE is more than a place to move.
It is a place to belong.
A place to grow with confidence.
A place to move with purpose.
Welcome to your centre.
Welcome to CORE.
Our Story
... the heart behind what we do
Since 2012, C.O.R.E. Movement & Arts Centre has been a place where dancers are guided, nurtured, and celebrated. From the very beginning, our vision has been clear: to create a safe, welcoming environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued as they explore their love of dance.
What began as a small studio — hiring space for just 30 dancers across two days each week — has grown into a vibrant and connected community. Today, we proudly support over 200 students across 42 classes, delivered in our two fully equipped studios, six days a week.
At the heart of this growth is our team. Passionate, dedicated educators who bring both expertise and genuine care, sharing their love of dance while guiding each student with intention, encouragement, and respect.
Caring deeply for the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of every dancer is central to our story. Our greatest priority is that every student and family who walks through our doors feels safe, supported, and inspired — not only to dance, but to grow.
Our programmes reflect this journey of development and care.
Our Dance Explorers and Emeralds are welcomed with joy, nurtured in an environment where they feel loved, supported, and inspired to move with confidence.
As dancers progress into Sapphires, they expand their training across a wider range of styles and begin to step into leadership opportunities as valued DanceSteppers, guiding and inspiring younger students.
Our Pearl and Amethyst dancers continue along this pathway, deepening both technical skill and artistic expression while embracing performance and leadership experiences. Through extension classes and open training opportunities, they are introduced to broader possibilities — always supported by our commitment to safe, sustainable dance practice.
At C.O.R.E., we believe the care and attention given to each individual’s journey is the true foundation for success — not only in dance, but in life. Our story is one of growth, connection, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing the heart, confidence, and potential of every dancer who becomes part of our family.
Our Team
Sara Anderson
Director
Sara's love of dancing began at the age of five, but it is her love of teaching that has shaped her life's work. She believes dance is far more than steps and technique - it is a powerful tool for building confidence, connection, self-belief, and a deep sense of belonging.
Trained at the National Ballet School from the age of 16, Sara completed her Advanced RAD and Solo Seal BBO examinations with Honours and performed in numerous classical and professional productions both in New Zealand and overseas. Her training with respected mentors, including Ann Judson QSM, the late Russell Kerr QSM, and the late Sheryl Robinson, led her to graduate with a Diploma in Classical Ballet and tour throughout America as a professional dancer.
While performance shaped her artistry, it was teaching that revealed her true purpose. After returning to New Zealand, Sara trained extensively in the Pilates Method, working with dancers, athletes, and professionals to build strength, alignment, and body awareness. This deep understanding of movement and wellbeing continues to inform her approach to dance education today, ensuring students are supported both physically and emotionally.
As a long-standing tutor at Hagley Dance Company for over a decade, Sara worked closely with dancers of all ages, guiding them through both technical development and personal growth. Becoming a mother in 2007 further strengthened her passion for nurturing young people, and it was during this time that she committed wholeheartedly to the art of teaching - not just dance, but how dance is taught.
Sara holds a Level 5 Diploma in Dance Teaching through bbodance and is a proud bbodance examiner, tutoring and examining throughout New Zealand and Australia. She is deeply committed to continued learning, believing that when teachers grow, students flourish.
At the heart of Sara's teaching is a desire to create a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where every dancer feels seen, valued, and capable. Her greatest joy comes from watching students develop confidence, resilience, empathy, and a lifelong love of movement - skills that extend far beyond the studio.
Syllabus & Exams
What will my dancer be learning?
Our classes follow the British Ballet Organisation (bboDance) syllabus, an internationally recognised dance awarding body that provides the framework for our class work and annual examinations. This means your dancer’s weekly lessons are carefully structured to support safe, age-appropriate progression, with clear learning goals at every stage.
Through the BBO syllabus, dancers develop strong technical foundations, musicality, coordination, flexibility, and performance skills, while also building confidence, focus, and a love of dance. Each level introduces new steps and concepts at the right pace, allowing dancers to feel challenged, supported, and proud of their progress.
All dancers in our Emerald level and above sit dance examinations each year, usually towards the end of term three.
Our studio is registered with BBO, and all of our teachers are either BBO registered or training under BBO, ensuring classes are taught to a consistent, high standard. Our Director, Miss Sara, is also a registered BBO examiner, bringing expert knowledge and a deep understanding of assessment standards into the studio. This gives our dancers the benefit of high-quality training that aligns seamlessly with their class work and examinations, while keeping learning positive, encouraging, and enjoyable.